Rapid Prototype Toolmaker & Fixture Builder

At Kform, we help top defense and dual-use startups convert breakthrough designs into producible, fieldable hardware. We cover the full stack - design, engineering, prototyping, machining, quality, and production readiness - because national security programs move in weeks, not years.

• Do you enjoy turning rough sketches and evolving CAD into tight-tolerance parts?
• Can you jump from CAM to a manual lathe, then into an engineering conversation about DFM?
• Are you comfortable giving candid feedback on tolerances, setup, and material selection?
• Do you thrive when ownership is high, timelines are short, and quality matters?

• Machine prototype and low-volume components for complex defense/dual-use systems.
• Program, set up, and run CNC mills and lathes; switch to manual mills, lathes, saws, drill presses, and grinders as needed.
• Work from CAD models, drawings, sketches, notes, and verbal guidance amid evolving requirements.
• Provide actionable feedback on manufacturability, tolerances, materials, setup strategy, tool access, fixturing, finishes, and cost/lead time.
• Build/modify/repair prototypes, fixtures, tooling, test articles, brackets, enclosures, panels, mounts, and assemblies.
• Collaborate directly with engineers to move from design intent to real hardware quickly.
• Inspect parts using calipers, micrometers, indicators, height/thread gauges, and surface plates; confirm drawing, functional, and assembly needs.
• Support assembly, fit checks, test setups, and troubleshooting.
• Capture setup notes, issues, lessons learned, and design change recommendations.
• Maintain shop organization, tooling health, machine readiness, and safe practices.
• Contribute to continuous improvement across prototyping, machining, and manufacturing.

• CNC mills and lathes
• Manual machining equipment
• CAD models and engineering drawings
• CAM toolpaths and workflows
• Inspection tools and metrology practices
• Prototype assemblies and hands-on builds
• Fixtures, soft jaws, and custom work holding
• Technical conversations with engineers
• Production feedback and refinement

• 3-5 years in CNC/manual machining, prototype fabrication, toolmaking, model making, or similar.
• Ability to read drawings, understand design intent, and apply GD&T fundamentals.
• Hands‑on CNC mill setup and operation experience.
• Manual machining: mills, lathes, saws, drills, and standard tools.
• Knowledge of aluminum, steels, stainless, plastics, and specialty materials.
• Competence inspecting parts and applying basic quality practices.
• Comfort working from incomplete inputs and asking the right questions.
• Mechanical aptitude and practical problem-solving.
• Safety mindset in a fast-moving shop.
• Clear, direct communication with engineers, technicians, and production.

• Prototype/R&D, defense/aerospace, robotics, machine shop, or advanced manufacturing background.
• Programming with Fusion 360, Mastercam, Solid Works CAM, HSMWorks, or similar CAM.
• Experience with both CNC mills and CNC lathes.
• Tight-tolerance machining for complex assemblies.
• Fixture design, soft jaws, custom work holding, production tooling.
• Low-volume production, engineering builds, EVT/DVT, production readiness experience.
• GD&T practice, inspection documentation, first article inspection, AS9100-style quality.
• Exposure to sheet metal, welding, finishing/coating, additive, or assembly.
• History of improving DFM/DFA with engineers.
• Interest in manufacturing, American industry, defense technology, and hard problems.

• CNC setup/operation and real‑world machining strategy
• Manual machining and fabrication
• Drawing interpretation, tolerancing, and disciplined inspection
• CAM programming and toolpath development
• Workholding, fixturing, and setup planning
• Prototype fabrication and rapid iteration
• Materials knowledge and cutting tool selection
• DFM feedback and collaboration
  
  Shop organization, safety, and machine care
• Clear communication with engineers, technicians, suppliers, and production
• Ownership, judgment, and attention to detail

• CNC Mill: 3-4 axis VMC (Haas, Doosan)
• CNC Mill: 5-axis VMC (Haas)
• CNC Lathe: 2-4 axis (Haas)
• 3D Modeling:
  Solid Works
• CAD/CA…